Millard West (Omaha) began the season ranked No. 1 in Class A in Nebraska by the Lincoln Journal Star, but Papillion-LaVista (Papillion) turned that ranking on its head with an 11-0 win last week.
Millard West still figures to be one of the top teams in the state after finishing 27-10 last year. The Wildcats return nine players from last year's team, including all-state pick Brett Bass in the outfield.
Papillion-LaVista wasn't even considered to be the top team in Papillion to start the season, but that thinking may have to change after last week. The Monarchs defeated Millard West, defending state champion Omaha Westside (Omaha), and Millard North (Omaha).
Papillion-LaVista South (Papillion) began the season ranked No. 2 in the state after going 32-6 last year. However, the Titans promptly dropped three of their first four games last week, including a 6-3 decision to Millard West.
Creighton Prep (Omaha), the No. 3-ranked team, also lost to Millard West, but has bounced back to defeat Ralston and Bellevue East. The Junior Jays, led by all-state outfielder Mike Pritchard, were scheduled to take on Papillion-LaVista South in a pair of games over the weekend.
Class B
Gretna went 14-11 last year but gets the nod for the No. 1 spot in the preseason rankings by the Journal Star. Returning all-state pick Kevin Anderson got Gretna off to a strong start with two doubles, a home run and six RBI in an 11-3 win over Gross Catholic (Omaha).
Skutt Catholic (Omaha) is ranked No. 2 and has a 4-1 record to start the season, including a win over defending Class A champ Omaha Westside. John Keck and Brett Swain combined for the win, striking out nine in the process.
Nebraska City has the state's top pitcher in Logan Ehlers. The senior, who was the state Gatorade Player of the Year last season, went 10-0 last year with 161 strikeouts in just 68.2 innings pitched with four no-hitters and a 0.20 ERA.
Ehlers has already lost his first game this year, falling to Archbishop Bergan (Fremont) 1-0 last week. However, Ehlers has struck out 38 batters in two starts and one inning of relief in Nebraska City's four games (3-1).